Charles Simmons of TJ Rentals Cooking Team puts the final touches on ribs at The Great Americana BBQ Festival is August 26, 2017 at Harlinsdale Farm in downtown Franklin, TN.
Joe Buglewicz / For The Tennessean

As cars lined up on Franklin Road to enter Harlinsdale Farm for The Great Americana BBQ Festival, smoke was already rising from lines of trailers preparing meats for the day’s competition.

The festival, now in its second year, was put on by The Franklin BBQ Society and The Franklin Noon Rotary Club.

Over 60 Pro Division and Backyard teams competed for $10,000 in prize money as barbecue aficionados and amateurs alike turned out to enjoy the pleasant late summer weather, live music, family friendly activities and a mountain of smoked meat. Judges picked out their favorites from a variety of categories, taking some time in between rounds to look at rows of classic cars arriving just outside of their tent.

Guests even had a chance to get in on the judging action through the People’s Choice Competition, selecting their favorites from the competing teams. But with all of the small events happening during the festival, the main star was always the seemingly never-ending parade of barbecue that served the growing lunch line.

A revolving cast of satisfied guests sat at tables under a large tent, finishing their meals and making room for the next group.

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